Canadian auto union says it has reached a tentative deal with Ford

TORONTO — The Canadian Auto Workers union says it has reached a tentative deal with Ford.

CAW President Ken Lewenza said Monday they want Ford's four-year deal to serve as a template for GM and Chrysler as a midnight strike deadline looms with those Detroit automakers.

The union earlier told its members it was optimistic strikes can be averted after CAW decided to focus on talks with Ford who they say recognizes that the union won't accept a permanent two-tier wage structure. Ford emerged as most likely to reach an agreement ahead of a strike deadline looming Monday night.

Its contracts with the other two U.S. automakers expire at midnight Monday.

The CAW represents about 4,500 workers at Ford, 8,000 workers at GM and another 8,000 at Chrysler.